Over the past four years, anime has skyrocketed in popularity, even surpassing the influence of Disney. This episode explores the factors behind anime's global success, examining how streaming platforms are competing fiercely for distribution rights and investing heavily in Japanese animation. Notably, even Disney is part of this competitive landscape.

Join Andy Burgess as he delves into the history and evolution of anime, tracing its journey from a niche Japanese art form to a worldwide cultural phenomenon. The episode provides insights into the origins of manga, the influence of Disney on anime, and the unique storytelling elements that set anime apart. Additionally, it covers the rise of iconic series like 'Mighty Atom' and how anime became accessible to Western audiences.

Listeners will also gain an understanding of the challenges anime faced from the 1980s to the 2010s and how it eventually broke into the mainstream. Special attention is given to the contributions of Studio Ghibli and the impact of attending anime conventions. Finally, the episode discusses the working conditions within the anime industry and concludes with an analysis of why anime ultimately triumphed in global popularity.